When a referring GP successfully uses the new respiratory criteria to refer a patient to a public hospital, patients can be triaged more accurately and be placed directly onto the appropriate specialist clinics waitlist without delay.

The referral information encourages multidisciplinary assessments to support medical care and, when required, appropriate direction to specialist treatment through the statewide referral criteria. This is why more information is needed in referrals – to support better access for patients.

The Victorian Department of Health has developed and published statewide specialist referral criteria for a further five respiratory conditions and adult sleep disorders. The respiratory suite is among 16 suites of specialist referral criteria already in existence across Victoria.

Respiratory conditions

• Adult sleep disorders (specialist sleep services)
• Assessment of asthma management
• Persistent cough
• Suspected or confirmed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Suspected or confirmed interstitial lung disease
• Unexplained chronic breathlessness.

This suite also includes adult public sleep disorders. Public sleep specialist services are offered by Alfred Health, Austin Health, Eastern Health, Monash Health, St Vincent’s Health, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Western Health.

Statewide referral criteria provide referring clinicians clear and consistent guidance about which patients can be seen in public specialist clinics across Victoria and what investigations are necessary to support accurate prioritisation of referrals.

GPs can also visit src.health.vic.gov.au to view the specialist referral criteria.

Statewide referral criteria apply to public hospitals and health services only. They do not apply to private hospitals. Additional specialities are set to be released throughout 2025.